Your Guide to the Wedding Processional

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Written on behalf of Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette, Reception Halls in Lafayette LA.

The walk down the aisle is undoubtedly one of the most cherished moments of a wedding ceremony. However, it's important to consider the order and involvement of other significant individuals who make their grand entrance. Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette - Reception Halls in Lafayette LA, offers the following information for your consideration.
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The wedding processional entails a group of people walking down the aisle in a specific sequence to signify the commencement of the ceremony. Depending on the type of religious wedding service, the participants and their seating arrangements may vary. Hindu and Jewish ceremonies, for example, involve more family members compared to traditional or nondenominational ceremonies. In Jewish weddings, both grandparents of the couple walk down the aisle, while Hindu weddings often include more active participation of the parents, who even sit under the traditional mandap.
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To ensure a smooth bridal march, it's essential to understand the processional order for different types of weddings. Here is a breakdown of the traditional processional orders for various ceremonies:

Traditional Christian Wedding Processional Order:

1. The Bride's Mother: The mother of the bride enters, signaling the start of the processional. She takes her seat on the first row - left aisle.
2. The Groom: After the mother of the bride is seated, the groom traditionally takes his place at the head of the altar, either entering from the side of the venue or walking down the aisle alone. However, it's common for the groom's parents to accompany him down the aisle, after which they sit first row - right aisle.
3. The Best Man: The best man either walks in from the side and stands next to the groom at the altar or walks as the last groomsman. Additionally, the best man may hold the bride's ring (or both rings).
4. The Groomsmen: The groomsmen lead the processional, walking down the aisle one after another.
5. The Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids follow the groomsmen, walking down the aisle individually before the maid or matron of honor. Some couples choose to have the groomsmen and bridesmaids enter in pairs.
6. The Matrond or Maid of Honor: Attends the bride before the ceremony, (helping with the dress, train, and veil)., then stands by the brideside at the altar, waiting to hold the brides bouquet and occasionaly the groom's ring.
7. The Ring Bearers(s) and Flower Girl(s): The ring bearer and flower girls precede the bride down the aisle. The ring bearer holds the wedding rings (or placeholder rings) tied to a small cushion, while the flower girl usually tosses flower petals or carries a posy of flowers. After their roles in the procession, the children are usually seated with their mother and father.
8. The Brides Father and the Bride: Tradition holds that the bride's father escorts her down the aisle on her right side presenting her to intended. "After "giving her away," the father unveils his daughter and kisses her cheek, symbolizing his blessing and taking his seat next to his wife.

Traditional Jewish Wedding Processional Order:

1. The Rabbi (and/or Cantor): The officiants stand under the chuppah (traditional canopy) at the altar, signaling the start of the processional.
2. The Brides Grandparents: The bride's grandparents walk down the aisle first and take their seats on the right side front row. In Jewish weddings, the bride's family and guests sit on the right, while the groom's friends and family sit left.
3. The Grooms Grandparents: The groom's grandparents follow suit and sit in the front row on the left side. Jewish weddings involve the participation of both parties' grandparents.
4. The Groomsmen: Groomsmen in Jewish ceremonies walk down the aisle in pairs, starting with those farthest from the groom.
5. The Best Man: The best man walks solo after the groomsmen and stands as the groom's right-hand man at the altar.
6. The Groom: The groom, accompanied by his parents, with his father on the left and his mother on the right walk together down the aisle.
7. The Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids, as the groomsman walk in pairs, starting with those furthest from the bride.
8. The Matron or Maid of Honor: The matron of honor walks alone.
9. The Ring Bearer(s) and/or Flower Girl(s): The ring bearer walks before the flower girl down the aisle. After their roles in the processional, they are seated with their parents.
10. The Brides Parents and the Bride: The parents of the bride escort her down the aisle, with the father on her left arm and the mother on her right. If desired, parents from both sides can stand under the chuppah with the couple.

Traditional Hindu Wedding Processional Order:

1. The Groom's Family, Friends, and the Groom: The groom enters with his friends and family in a joyous celebration called the Baraat. Traditionally, he arrives on a white horse as everyone dances around him.
2. The Bride's Family: The bride's family waits for the groom and his family to arrive. They may engage in customs like feeding the groom sweets, exchanging gifts, or presenting flower garlands. Together, they head to the mandap, the traditional Hindu arch.
3. The Bride and the Bridal Party: The bride enters and walks down the aisle with her family, wedding party, and friends. The bridal party walks ahead of the bride to conceal her until the big reveal. Once the bride reaches the mandap, she exchanges garlands with the groom. Then, the couple, along with the parents of the bride and the priest, sit under the mandap to commence the ceremony.

Nondenominational Wedding Processional Order:

1. The Officiant: The officiant, who can be a friend, family member, or ordained individual, stands at the altar, marking the beginning of the processional.
2. The Groom: The groom and his groomsmen may already be at the altar before the processional begins, if not, they usually enter from the side. However, many contemporary grooms choosing to walk down the aisle.
3. The Best Man: The best man follows the groom's lead. If the groom enters from the side and waits at the altar, the best man stands by his side. If the groom walks down the aisle during the processional, the best man follows suit.
4. The Groomsmen and Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids and groomsmen typically walk in pairs, starting in order of those furthest from the couple.
5. The Matron or Maid of Honor: The maid or matron of honor walks alone after the other bridesmaids and ceremony members.
6. The Ring Bearer(s) and Flower Girl(s): The chosen children walk down the aisle one after another and can be seated with their parents once they reach the end.
7. The Bride and Her Parents: The bride may be escorted by her father, mother, both parents, or choose to enter alone. Nondenominational wedding processions offer extensive customization options, allowing you to create the entrance you desire.

​When does the wedding processional take place? The wedding processional serves as the opening of the nuptial ceremony. Once all essential wedding party attendants have walked the aisle, the ceremony begins.

Need help planning your wedding in Lafayette La? 

Call on Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette.  Their professional wedding coordinators are dedicated to making your special day a truly unforgettable experience. With expertise and attention to detail, they ensure that every aspect of your wedding and reception is flawlessly executed. From the initial planning stages to the final moments of your celebration, the coordinators at Le Pavillon work closely with you to bring your vision to life. They offer personalized guidance, helping you select the perfect reception hall that suits your style and accommodates your guest count. With their extensive knowledge of Lafayette, LA, they can recommend local vendors, provide creative décor ideas, and assist with menu planning. Their goal is to alleviate any stress associated with wedding planning, allowing you to focus on cherishing every moment of your special day. 

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